1960     First Generation ICFs were developed in Europe more than 40 years ago along with the discovery of Extruded Polystyrene. The concept of ICF is not new. European homes had been built totally out of concrete but they faced the problem that winter temperatures made the homes cold, damp and clammy.  So the idea to insulate the concrete was born.  Many products developed from this concept and thus emerged the first Generation of ICFs.

1985     The initial wave of first generation ICFs made their way to North America. It did not take to long before the idea started to grow. Many individuals experimented with a variety of different systems, all claiming that their product was better or the best. These new products took on many different shapes and sizes, producing the second-generation forming system.

1991     ICFs started to take hold in the construction industry. Main reasons were; rising costs of lumber, lobbying of environmental groups over deforestation and the growing demand for structures that were more resistant against natural disasters.

1995          Ten ICF manufacturers formed the Insulated Concrete Form Association in response to a wave of natural disasters that had occurred earlier in 1992 (Hurricane Andrew, Hurricane Iniki and Typhoon Omar in Guam).  By 1995 it was becoming apparent that the worldwide demand for ICFs was growing.

1996     The Portland Cement Association promoted a vigorous marketing and advertising campaign in support of the fast growing ICF industry.  During that year twelve ICF manufacturing companies reported sales of over 25 million square feet.  By late 1996 several studies were concluded pertaining to natural disasters.  This triggered a major movement in North America and Japan to start building with safer and more reliable construction materials.

1997     The Portland Cement Association introduced a strategic plan, which stated, that by year 2002, 3-15% of all residential construction would be build out of Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs).  Owens Corning predicted that the ICF industry in North America would grow from sales of less than $100 million USD in 1997 to over $15 billion USD in the following 5 years.

1998     The ICF industry exceeded 50 million square feet with membership growing at a remarkable rate. Engineers, Architects, Designers, Developers and Contractors were all becoming aware of the benefits to building with Insulated Concrete Form Systems.

2000          A Portland Cement Association survey shows that an estimated 8,000 homes in the United States and Canada had been built in the previous year using insulating concrete forms (ICFs).  A figure up nearly 50% from the previous year.  Homebuyers cite superior comfort, noise reduction, energy savings, strength and rigidity (against hurricanes and tornadoes) as the primary reasons they are opting for ICFs rather than traditional construction methods.

2005     Many countries are seeing the benefits of the ICF systems due to the never ending natural disasters that seem to be intensifying. In Japan after Kobe earthquake leaders of that country started a national campaign rebuilding with safer building system and ICF’s was what they choose to rebuild with. In Florida after hurricane Andrew many insurance companies will not insure a homes now unless the home owners rebuilt there homes with a concrete building system. Thus since these disaster and countless others since then the knowledgeable are all looking at ICF systems as the wave of the future. Developers are selling there housing developments solely based on a safety factor, being that ICF’s provide a far greater safety feature when natural disasters arrive. One sales representative in Mexico said ”I have never sold something before that sells it self”, once the clients are educated about ICF’s safety and the benefits they declare where do we sign.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE QUAD-LOCK SYSTEM IN MEXICO CALL OFFICE 612-122-1200 or LES ZWARYCK @ 044-612-140-2324 or BEN ZWARYCK @ 044-612-348-9298